Parri Van Dyke
We sat down with Women to Women Network member Parri Van Dyke of Wedge & Cured, and here's what she had to say…
Who are your clients/customers?
I generally work with people who are having celebrations, such as holidays, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and even funerals. Although, I am also available for smaller orders, which are always fun to do. For example, if you're going out wine tasting with your friends and want to grab a little box to go, I'm happy to help.
I serve within a 25-mile radius of Western Washington County, and my clients can either pick up their order or purchase a delivery. On national holidays I do require pickup, but I live right in town in Forest Grove, so I'm easy to find!
How do you help your clients/customers?
I take the stress and pressure out of entertaining. Being a hostess can be daunting, so having a beautiful charcuterie board filled with amazing foods that everybody can enjoy removes the burden of meal prep and creates a great conversation piece. With Wedge & Cured on your side, all you have to do is enjoy your guests.
What brought you to this line of work?
I have always loved to entertain, cook, and host people—I've been known to throw a mean dinner and cocktail party! I would invite my friends over and work all day in the kitchen preparing. But by the time my guests would arrive, I'd be exhausted keeping food warm and timing everything just right. I thought, "Why am I draining myself?" I started dabbling in cured meats, cheeses, and anything that could stay on the table for a bit more time. This approach allowed me to enjoy my guests, which switched my mindset.
My husband and I hosted a holiday party that year where 60 or 70 people came over. I did a grazing table that everybody couldn't stop talking about. It was such a fun way to entertain. My friends liked my boards so much that they'd ask me to put them together for their events. That's when I realized I could make money at this.
In 2019, I made charcuterie platters for people using my home kitchen's wooden boards and cheese knives. I'd have to get them back from people after their event was over. Then I realized I needed to think bigger. So I had a logo made and ordered custom recyclable boxes. Then, of course, COVID hit. COVID was the biggest blessing for this line of business because people scaled down and became more intentional with their celebrations. Small family gatherings became that much more meaningful. My company grew so much that I was able to quit my full-time job.
What brings you joy?
I absolutely love that a piece of me gets to share in my clients' celebrations. Even though I'm not physically there, my heart is there with you on your birthdays, anniversaries, and girls' beach weekend getaways. I get to hear the stories. That is what keeps me going. I get to meet new people every single week who I otherwise would never have the chance to meet. I love that.
What defines you and your business?
I truly am and always have been a people person. Life gets so busy and crazy, and it can feel like people are divided, so my work is an excellent reminder that we're still friends. We're still families, we're still celebrating, and we still have milestones we all are going through. If I can be a little piece of that, my heart is whole.
What's the most important thing you want people to know about you and your business?
When I'm creating a board for my clients, it is 100% with them in mind. I am proud of the personal touch that I always incorporate. I'm thinking about the family that will come to celebrate with you. I imagine you being around a table, catching up, laughing, and chatting about memories. I create every single board from my heart with that specific person in mind.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
My husband and I are a huge part of the Forest Grove community. My husband was born and raised here. We've been married for almost 28 years and are committed to our church and Rotary Club. We're passionate about helping our community to thrive. I always try to be intentional with donations and volunteerism as much as I physically and mentally can.
Wedge & Cured